ORLANDO, Fla. — A 15-year-old Timber Creek High School student is accused of posting to social media that he wanted to shoot up the high school, according to authorities.
- Student facing felony charges
- Student who made threat may face expulsion and arrest, says principal
- Exact nature of the threat has not been released
In a message to parents, Principal Kelly Paduano stated on Sunday that school officials contacted law enforcement that a social media post mentioned a possible threat made against Timber Creek High School, however the student who made the post has been identified.
"District Police and our law enforcement partners have identified the student who made the post and action was taken," she wrote, adding that the post was taken seriously and that the student code of conduct will be applied "and consequences can include expulsion and arrest" for the student.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office in an email on Monday, deputies were notified about a threat on the social media app Snapchat from a student, who reported it to authorities.
The 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with "written threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism," confirmed Jane Watrel, public information officer for the Sheriff's Office.
The teen, who will not be named because he is a minor, admitted to the post, Watrel stated.
Paduano stated that there was "an additional law enforcement presence on the campus" on Monday.
A phone call and an email was sent to parents on Sunday night, however some people did not receive the phone call before the communication system shutdown at 9 p.m., Paduano explained, adding that another call would go out at 7 a.m. on Monday.
She also advised parents that students can report any threats to school staff or by calling 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).